Jon Dunham

Thomas Baillie has urged Kettering Town not to waste their good work at the weekend when they head to rock-bottom North Greenford United tonight (Tuesday).

The Poppies joint-manager is hoping the game will go ahead, although the Middlesex club have had well documented problems with their pitch which have meant they have been able to host just two home matches this year.

Tonight’s clash is subject to a 2pm pitch inspection but should it get the green light, Baillie is keen to see his players build on what proved to be a pivotal day in the race for the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central title.

Brett Solkhon’s second-half goal earned them a 1-0 victory over third-placed Aylesbury and, with second-placed Bedworth United being held to a 1-1 draw by Barton Rovers, it means the Poppies now hold a five-point lead at the summit with a game in hand.

Bedworth are also due to be in action at Bedford Town, who thrashed North Greenford 7-0 at the weekend, tonight.

But Baillie’s sole focus is on his own team, who now know 11 wins from their final 13 matches will secure the title.

“I think for the players and the fans, Saturday was probably one of the best days of the season so far,” the Kettering joint-boss said.

“But there was no over-the-top celebrations as far as myself and Scott (fellow joint-boss Machin) were concerned.

“It was a good performance in tough conditions that saw us restrict a very good Aylesbury side to few opportunities.

“However, we have to continue from that now. It would be very disappointing to go and drop points after the effort that was put in.

“We are coming into a very busy period where we play a lot of games in a short space of time and we have to make sure we take advantage of that.

“But we have to be wary because North Greenford could be a real wounded animal.

“They have suffered a heavy defeat at the weekend and I am sure their manager will be looking for a big response. They will feel they have nothing to lose and that makes them extremely dangerous.”

It proved to be an energy-sapping 90 minutes for the Poppies on Saturday and Baillie admitted they will “assess” the squad before selecting their team while also having one eye on Saturday’s tricky trip to Godalming Town.

He added: “There are a few bumps and bruises that we need to assess. It was a real battle against Aylesbury.

“There is also a very tough game coming up at the weekend so we have to make sure we manage the squad properly.”